Asia’s robust economic fundamentals present significant opportunities for scaling financing for sustainable development projects, even amid geopolitical headwinds and trade tensions, experts said at the inaugural Hong Kong edition of Unlocking capital for sustainability on 27 March.
Speaking in this fireside chat at the flagship sustainable finance forum hosted by Eco-Business in partnership with United Nations Environment Programme Initiative (UNEP FI), Dr Mark Konyn, group chief investment officer of AIA Group, shared insights into the insurer’s long term investment strategy amid a volatile global landscape.
Moderated by Eco-Business CEO Jessica Cheam, who described the current macroeconomic picture as “volatile, uncertain and dangerous”, Konyn acknowledged that this has led to a “shakeout” where the commitment of financial institutions to sustainability is being tested.
Despite these uncertainties, however, AIA remains committed to its sustainability agenda. As a liability-driven business, AIA’s primary concern is ensuring the long-term value of its assets to meet future policyholder obligations, making the financial implications of climate change a critical consideration, said Konyn.
In the discussion, Konyn offered insights into future sustainable investment opportunities, Asia’s energy transition, integrating long term climate risk, and being “match ready” for future challenges.
Themed “Mobilising capital for the green transition”, the thought leadership forum took place during Hong Kong’s Wealth and Investment Mega Week. Hosted at Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel, the forum gathered more than 120 decision-makers across government, finance and industry to identify the solutions needed to mobilise finance for Asia’s sustainable development transition.
Explore our coverage on sustainable finance and business. Unlocking capital for sustainability is an annual event on sustainable finance organised by Eco-Business in partnership with UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
